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The 4 best vacuums for pet hair in 2024, tested and reviewed
*Finally* combat stubborn fur, dander and other allergens with top upright and stick vacuum picks from Dyson, Bissell, Shark and more.
Pets can be a great source of joy and laughter (there's a reason dogs are referred to as man's best friend). Unfortunately, they can also be a great source of excess hair and dander ... which somehow always becomes more noticeable when guests come over. And that's not to mention food messes and any dirt, grass or other stuff they manage to drag inside the house. Your best resource for keeping it all under control? A high-powered, versatile vacuum that's specifically engineered for homes with furry friends.
The best vacuums for pet hair in 2024 are agile (helpful for getting around water bowls), plus they include anti-tangle brushes (looking at you, long-haired breeds) and attachment tools for navigating different upholsteries, heights and angles. Read on to learn more about the pet vacuums that managed to stand out above the rest in our rigorous testing. If you keep scrolling, you'll find tips on what to look for when shopping for vacuums, as well as additional info on how we test.
A quick note before we dive in: Each vacuum on this list is engineered, outfitted and/or marketed specifically for homes with pets, and recommended for use on both hardwood floors and carpets. When we mention height, we're referring to how tall the vacuums are assembled; length and width reflect how long and, respectively, how wide the cleaner heads are — this is also referred to as a vacuum's cleaning path.
If you're interested in tackling pet hair in your vehicle, read our best car vacuums of 2024. For non-pet-specific vacuums, see our guides to the best cordless stick vacuums, best Dyson stick vacuums and best lightweight vacuums.
Table of contents:
Best vacuums for pet hair in 2024
Size: 15.5"L x 11.02"W x 42.2"H | Weight: 17.3 pounds | Bin capacity: 1.7 liters | Vacuum type: Corded upright | Filter: HEPA | Power: 290 watts
This "animal-style" vacuum from Dyson is a powerful force to be reckoned with.
How it works: While it might appear intimidating, the Dyson Ball Animal 3 is fairly easy to assemble: You just click the cleaner head, body and extendable hose/wand with handle into place. Ready to vacuum? Plug in the cord, choose one of three surface settings on the cleaner head and press the red power button to operate. You can also unclip the red button on the back of the handle to extend and release the hose and wand to tackle areas that are hard to reach.
Why it's great: This dynamo from Dyson means serious business. It devoured Cheerios, faux fur, kitty litter, rice and other materials in our "carpet course" and "kitchen sink" tests (more on that in the "How we tested" section below). It also made matted pet fur disappear from low-pile car mats in one fell swoop. In fact, this vacuum was so powerful that we had to hold the mat down for the highest settings.
To put the Dyson Ball Animal 3 and our other pet vacs to the ultimate test I took them to my grandmother's house. Or, more precisely, I took them to her cat Caylee's nesting spot, an area of carpet that has so much embedded fur that it has formed a furry veil most vacuums can barely touch. As my grandmother and I witnessed in awe, the Dyson Ball Animal 3 managed to get up every last hair.
As a bonus, this vac has one of the largest dust cups of the models we tested and the farthest reach at 50 feet. It features a washable HEPA filter for greater efficacy and easier maintenance. The roller brush is anti-tangle, especially important for anyone who has a long-haired dog or cat.
It also includes specialty pet attachments, including a tangle-free turbine tool for lifting pet hair and a pet grooming tool for getting right to the source of things. (A tool holder lets you clip everything right onto the vacuum.)
Of note: While the cleaner head is fairly narrow, the large swivel ball on this vacuum makes it difficult to tackle shallow areas such under a sofa. For more high-suction Dysons with greater agility, check out our guide to the best Dyson stick vacuums.
- Greatest suction and reach
- Swivels for easy steering
- Three surface settings
- Specialty pet tools
- No headlights
- Pricey
Size: 13"L x 14"W x 46"H | Weight: 16.2 pounds | Bin capacity: 1 liter | Vacuum type: Corded upright | Filter: Yes | Power: 1,800 watts
For a slightly less powerful but still very effective and thoughtfully accessorized pet vacuum, Bissell's CleanView Swivel Pet is worth a spin.
How it works: This swivel-steered model consists of a cleaner head, a canister, an extendable hose and a wand with handle. To operate it, you plug in the cord and choose one of five surface settings on the cleaner head. There are two foot pedals in the back of the vacuum, one for releasing the wand and one for turning the vacuum on. The vacuum also comes with attachment tools that can be used with the hose to tackle trouble spots (more on those below).
Why it's great: The CleanView Swivel Pet got every item in our "carpet course" and "kitchen sink" tests, right up to the edge of furniture and cabinets. While not as powerful as our top Dyson pick, this vacuum managed to pick up most of the fur in our pet-hair test, save for a few strands that required an extra pass. The back foot pedals, combined with swivel steering, make for easy maneuvering, and the cleaner head settings allow you to optimize for varying floor types and carpet thicknesses (this also goes for the material you're picking up — for example, a hardwood floor setting is more surface-level and therefore better for piles of Cheerios).
But where the CleanView Swivel Pet really steps it up is the comprehensive suite of accessories, including a 2-in-1 dusting brush, a crevice tool and — what sets it apart from most competition — a pet-hair corner brush and a TurboEraser tool.
The former allowed us to get into tight corners around rooms, doors and furniture; the latter was the only attachment other than Dyson's tangle-free turbine tool that could remove cat fur embedded in an embroidered sofa. It worked gently and swiftly, leaving the fabric looking like new. Each of the attachments clips onto the vacuum for easy access (we felt like professional cleaners armed with all of the equipment in one place).
We tested the cord-rewind version of this vacuum, which was convenient for wrapping up cleaning jobs and moving around the house. For less money, you can buy the vacuum without the cord-rewind feature. Either way, a portion of proceeds goes toward the Bissell Pet Foundation to help save homeless pets.
- Swivels for easy steering
- Five surface settings
- Cord rewind feature
- Specialty pet tools
- No headlights
- Large base and back wheels
Size: 14.92"L x 12.05"W x 45.2"H | Weight: 15.18 pounds | Bin capacity: 2.9 liters | Vacuum type: Corded upright | Filter: HEPA | Power: 1,150 watts
If you're looking for a high-capacity vacuum with strength and agility (and you don't need a wide range of accessories), Shark's Rotator Pet Vacuum could be just your ticket.
How it works: Like the uprights listed above, the Shark Rotator Pet consists of a cleaner head, a body, an extendable hose and a wand with handle. It also includes an odor-neutralizing pod that clips into the cleaner head base. You plug the vacuum in and flip a red switch to either the hard floor or carpet setting. The vacuum comes with two attachments: a crevice tool and a pet multi-tool.
Why it's great: The Shark Rotator Pet has the shallowest cleaner head of the upright pet vacs we tested and, at just over 15 pounds, it weighs the least. It's equipped with swivel steering, making it the most comfortable of the upright pet vacs to navigate.
It bobbed and weaved around the "carpet course" and "kitchen sink" tests with finesse. While it doesn't have the suction to lift car mats like the Dyson, the Rotator Pet managed to remove all of the fur in our "passenger pet" test in one pass.
The deodorizing pod left areas smelling fresh, and there's a washable HEPA filter and self-cleaning brush roll for easy maintenance. Another pro: Despite weighing the least of our upright pet vacs, the Shark Rotator Pet boasts the largest dust cup. It was twice as big as some other models, which means less trips to the trash.
Of note: The tools included with the Shark Rotator Pet are limited, so you may want to purchase the brand's pet hair attachment tool for removing stubborn fur from upholstery and stairs. If you're willing to trade some capacity for an even lighter weight, consider the Hoover MaxLife Pro Pet, which we reviewed in the "others we tested" section below.
- Swivels for easy steering
- Self-cleaning brushroll
- Lightweight design
- Extra-large dust cup
- No headlights
- Limited tools
Size: 11.18"L x 6.26"W x 26.38"H | Weight: 11.68 pounds | Bin capacity: 0.7 liters | Vacuum type: Cordless stick | Filter: HEPA | Power: 500 watts
Ready to cut the cord? Consider the Tineco Pet Pro, which features a run time of 60 minutes, plus special sensor technology for optimizing your clean.
How it works: The Tineco Pet Pro consists of three main pieces: a cleaner head, a long tube and a vacuum head "upper," which houses the power button and dust cup and doubles as a handheld. The vacuum also comes with a wall mount and standalone plug for charging.
The tube clicks into the cleaner head and the upper clicks into the tube (and/or one of two included attachments for handheld use). There's a power button on top of the handle and a sensor that turns different colors based on the amount of debris detected.
Why it's great: Cordless stick vacuums offer more freedom and flexibility; their handheld uppers greater mobility. The Tineco Pet Pro, in particular, is equipped with technology that senses dirt, dust and debris and auto-adjusts suction based on the floor type and need (think of it like a car with an automatic transmission versus a stick shift).
In our testing, the Tineco Pet Pro picked up fur, pet food and kitty litter from different carpeted and hard floor surfaces with ease. And because it has a run time of 60 minutes (the longest of the pet stick vacuums we tested), you really get the most of your clean.
Equipped with a narrow, swivel cleaner head, the Tineco Pet Pro is nimble and comfortable to maneuver and has headlights for added visibility. The anti-tangle brush keeps pet hairs from getting stuck and clumping.
The dust cup is sufficiently big at 0.7 liters and has a lever that, when released, pushes most of its contents out for easy emptying. The vacuum is also designed with a five-stage filtration system, including a HEPA filter, for combating allergens and air pollution.
- Sufficient dust cup with slider release
- Long run time
- Sensor technology that adjusts suction based on the floor type and amount of dirt
- On the heavier side
- Auto-adjusting settings mean less control
- Doesn't stand upright on its own
Factors to consider when choosing a vacuum for pet hair
Size: Taller stick vacuums generally equate to longer tubes (or wands) and greater reach, particularly helpful for those who are tall or navigating vast, shallow surface areas, like beneath platform beds. That said, more height means you’ll be farther from your target, in which case extendable or flexible tubes can help with maneuverability (and lights can help with visibility). Longer brush rolls mean fewer swipes. Wider and dual brush rolls mean shorter passes.
Weight: The lighter the vacuum, the easier the lift (and steer). Lightweight designs glide across hardwood floors seamlessly but can have less grip on thick carpets. Lighter models are often associated with smaller dust cups and fewer tech components (like LCD screens and the respective engineering that makes a vacuum top-heavy), though not always. Of note: swivel cleaner heads and dust cups can help with maneuvering, especially when dealing with heavier vacuums.
Bin capacity: Larger cups house more dirt so you don’t have to take as many trips to the trash can. Aside from capacity, look for dust cups that release forcefully with the help of a lever so you don't have to manually unclip the cup lids and reach your fingers in.
Vacuum type:
Stick vacuums consist of a cleaner head, a long tube (aka wand, which the dirt travels through) and a vacuum head upper (or "brain" that features power controls and any LCD screens). The upper also houses the dust cup and can typically be detached and used as a handheld vacuum with attachments. Cordless stick options allow for more freedom and flexibility when vacuuming, but require charging.
Upright vacuums consist of a cleaner head, a dust cup, a hose and a wand. In this case, dirt travels to the dust cup via the hose and the dust cup sits above the cleaner head, with the wand behind it and handle up top. Detachable hoses (and wands) can be paired with attachment tools, but canisters usually remain in place. If you don't want to have to carry an entire vacuum up the stairs, for example, you may want a "lift-away"-style canister, which can be detached from the vacuum while cleaning. Also helpful: longer cords for greater reach, plus cord-rewind options so you don't have to wrap up the cord manually.
Run time: According to our research, the average cordless stick vacuum run time hovers around 30 to 40 minutes for budget models, 40 to 50 minutes for mid-priced models and 50 minutes or above for luxury models. If you're buying a cordless vacuum cleaner, we suggest looking for one with at least 40 minutes of run time for multi-floor jobs and thorough cleanings. Here's our guide to the best cordless vacuums of any weight.
Filters: Vacuum filters zap pollutants and improve air quality, with high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filters considered the gold standard. According to the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), HEPA filters "theoretically remove at least 99.97% of dust, pollen, mold, bacteria and any airborne particles with a size of 0.3 microns," with larger or smaller particles “trapped with even higher efficiency.” Follow instruction manuals for how and when to replace or clean filters for optimal results. Many, like Dyson, now use washable filters for cost efficiency.
Wattage: A higher wattage often correlates to greater suction power. High-voltage batteries generally have a longer shelf life, or run time, so you can tackle more space or several vacuum jobs in one go without recharging.
Brushes and attachments: Most vacuums come with a detangling-style brush roller (in many cases, customizable or auto-adjusting) that can be used for multiple floor types. Brush cleaner headlights offer more visibility in low lighting and beneath furniture, while mini roller attachments help tackle tighter spaces (such as inside your car; they’re also great for getting stubborn pet fur from couch interiors). Attachment tools aid in detailing and spot-treating things like cushions and curtains, whereas crevice tools are a must for navigating ceilings and wall corners.
Docking and storing: Freestanding vacuums and docks mean you don't have to screw a wall mount into place to keep your stick vacuum upright. Alternatively, all of the cordless vacuum "uppers" on this list can be charged separately via plug. You just have to then reattach them to the vacuum tube and cleaner (brush) head base when finished.
How we tested these vacuums
We set up several obstacle courses to test these vacuums against materials with varying shapes, textures and densities on different surfaces like carpet and hardwood. We also tested their respective attachments on sofas and other upholstered furniture. Then we put the vacuums through their paces in real-life scenarios, prioritizing homes with pet inhabitants. The nitty gritty:
"Carpet course" test: We spaced out materials — faux fur, rice, Cheerios, kitty litter and sand — across a plush carpet to see how the vacuums managed to cut through the clutter.
"Kitchen sink" test: We poured rice and Cheerios on a hardwood kitchen floor to gauge how well the vacuums could get a grip — especially against trims and in cabinet crevices.
"Passenger pet" test: We asked family and friends to avoid vacuuming for a week, then used car mats to collect the fur their pet companions had shed, to see which vacuums had the best suction.
"Vacs gone wild" test: We didn’t stop there! We clocked more than 30 hours testing these vacuums in different houses and settings to see if they could rise to different occasions.
Other vacuums we tested for pet hair
Bissell PowerGuide Slim Corded Stick Vacuum ($150): True to its name, the PowerGlide glided swimmingly across carpeted and hardwood floors, gulping up everything in its path (outside of a few stray hairs on the car mats). We wish it had a bigger dust cup capacity and that there was a slider or switch for automatic release so we didn't need to empty it manually. Also: that the cleaner head had lights for more visibility and propped at a 90-degree angle (versus dangled) when carried.
Shark Stratos Ultralight Pet Corded Stick Vacuum ($300): Shark's corded stick is lighter than Bissell's PowerGlide, with a greater capacity, in this case 0.75 liters. It's ideal for different surfaces and managed to eat up all of the materials in our testing. Like many Shark vacuums, the cleaner head stays up for more streamlined carrying and the vacuum tube has a clip on the front where you can hang the vacuum head "upper," rendering the vacuum freestanding. Our only gripe (besides the higher price) was that the dust cup can be a little finicky when you empty it.
Bissell CleanView XR Pet Cordless Stick Vacuum ($229): The CleanView XR Pet is an Amazon No. 1 bestseller for its powerful suction, lightweight frame and wide breadth of attachment tools (it ties with the Bissell CleanView, with four total). It has three power modes (including a Turbo mode for stubborn pet hair) and an LCD screen that displays battery life, and it navigated our tests with ease. Cons: You only get 40 minutes of run time versus Tineco Go Pet's 60, and the dust cup is on the smaller side. We also had to manually unclip and dump it.
Shark Pet Cordless Stick Vacuum ($230): Despite weighing less than 7 pounds, the Shark Pet Cordless boasts the largest dust cup capacity of the pet vacuums we evaluated. It has three power modes and navigates different floor types and materials with ease. The cleaner head stays propped up when transporting and the vac is freestanding for added convenience. Unfortunately, it offers 20 minutes less run time than the Tineco Go Pet, it only comes with one tool and it doesn't have any LCD reads.
Hoover MaxLife Pro Pet Swivel Upright Vacuum ($210): The MaxLife Pro Pet is similar to the Shark Rotator Pet, sans the odor-neutralizing pod, and with a slightly heavier weight, slightly wider cleaner head and slightly less capacity. Performance was generally comparable and you do get headlights and a lower price with the Hoover, but Shark has the leg up for maneuverability, so it won out.
Kenmore Elite Upright Vacuum ($300): This vacuum features powerful suction comparable to what we experienced with Dyson and has a similar design and tools to our top Bissell pick. But the Kenmore is heavier and its non-swivel design means less maneuverability. Also of note: This vacuum requires the use of a bag for trapping dirt and debris (versus a reusable canister).
Pet vacuum FAQs
What is the difference between a stick vacuum and upright vacuum?
Stick vacuums typically consist of a vacuum head, complete with a battery, dust cup, control buttons, filter and sometimes a digital display screen (think of the head, or “upper,” as its central processing and operating unit). The head attaches to a thin tube, which then connects to a brush cleaner head with roller(s). Alternatively, the "upper" can be attached to various attachment tools for handheld use.
Like many upright vacuums designed today, stick vacuums are often bagless (thanks to their dust cups). They also are often cordless, whereas most upright vacuums have a cord. Because of this, you can move stick vacs around a home freely, though you’ll have to charge the battery. Given their svelte silhouettes, cordless stick vacuums also tend to be more nimble and storage-friendly.
What's the difference between a pet vacuum and a regular vacuum?
Pet vacuums are engineered similarly to regular vacuums, but often are more powerful and have larger dust cups for combatting and containing pet hair. A few other distinctions include anti-tangle brushes, as well as specialty attachment tools for getting fur and dirt out of upholstery. Sealed and HEPA filters also help combat the amount of debris and dander on the floor and in the air, especially important for allergy sufferers.
How often should I clean my vacuum?
To help keep your vacuum in tip-top shape, many brands, such as Dyson, advise cleaning washable filters at least once a month with regular use. We recommend consulting your vacuum instructions for machine-specific tips, including when to wash and/or replace filters and brush rollers. Look for dust cups that have levers for forcefully ejecting dirt into the trash can. And, because vacuums are often at the center of the action, plan to wipe yours down regularly to reduce the amount of dust and dirt that can emanate.
We received complimentary samples of some products and purchased others ourselves, but we reviewed all products using the same objective criteria.
